COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Nikki Smith's grand slam led the Terrapin softball team to their first ACC series victory today, as the Terps swept Virginia Tech 1-0 and 5-1 in the Terrapin Softball Complex. Maryland improves its record to 23-17 (4-7 ACC) as the Hokies drop to 28-10 (7-4 ACC). The win marks the tenth consecutive victory for the Terps in College Park this year.

Smith led the Terrapins with four RBI and the grand slam, while freshman
Lindsey Ubrun had two RBI on the day with a home run and a double. It was the fifth home run of the year for Smith, and the fourth for Ubrun.

"We gave 110% today," said head coach Laura Watten. "We were able to produce some big wins with clutch hitting and very effective pitching. We played hard every inning and focused on one inning at a time."

Crystal Crews pitched her eighth complete game with seven strikeouts in the first game to go 14-8, and Elyse Lucas recorded her first win of the season in the second game with two strikeouts.

In the first game, the Terrapins had the first scoring opportunity as they loaded the bases in the first inning on two walks and a fielder's choice. Hokie pitcher Angela Tincher, who had 20 strikeouts on the day, struck out Amanda D'Attilio to close out the inning. Keri Lounge hit an infield single in the third inning, yet the next two batters were out on a sacrifice bunt and strikes.

It was not until the game went into extra innings that the Terrapins took charge. With two outs and a 1-2 count in the eighth, Lounge hit a grounder infield and reached first base on an error. Ubrun, who was 1-for-3 with a walk, ripped a double to center field to bring Lounge home for the game-winning RBI. The Terps are 5-0 when games go into extra innings.

The Hokies got on the scoreboard first in the second game when Kelly Brown hit a RBI single up the left field line that scored Erin Ota, who hit a triple to left field.

In the Terrapin's third at-bat at the bottom of the inning with two outs, Ubrun countered with a home run to center field to even the score, 1-1.

Elyse Lucas, who came in for Abbey Welch in the third inning with a runner on base, struck out Ota for third out and to bring the Terrapins up to bat. Hokie Katie Maynard walked Abbey Welch, allowed a single by Lounge and hit the next batter to fill the bases for the Terps. Hokie pitcher Tincher came in for relief. With two outs, Smith belted a shot to center field to score four runs and take a firm 5-1 lead in the third. The four RBI tied Lounge for the most RBI in a game this season for the Terps.

The Hokies threatened in the fifth inning when Rhodes walked, Ota singled and Brown reached on an error to load the bases. With two outs, Stephanie Savre's fly ball to left field was caught by Devon Williams to close out the inning, with the Terps holding the lead for good at 5-1.

Maryland will play George Mason next in a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 12 at the Terrapin Softball Complex. First pitch is at 5:00 p.m., admission is free.